Vermont Cooking Schools for Chef and Culinary Training

With snowy mountains in the winter and picturesque scenery in the summer, Vermont is a top holiday spot for visitors around the world. It is also home to local chef talent, unique dishes and top culinary training schools. Students looking to start a career in the food service industry have much to learn from world-class programs offered at Vermont cooking schools.

Find a Culinary School in Vermont

Whether you’re an aspiring head chef or hospitality manager, there are plenty of great Vermont cooking skills that offer culinary programs. You can choose from the various bachelor and associate degrees, diplomas and certificates institutions in the region provide. These programs often blend theoretical work with practical education to give students an advantage both inside the kitchen and out.

Universities, culinary institutes and colleges are the best providers of degrees and diplomas. Education can take 2-4 years to complete and include extensive training in cooking, kitchen; administration and business disciplines. Certificate programs are short, lasting anywhere between 3-12 months. Because the level of training provided differs greatly, it is up to students to define their career goals and pursue programs that meet their needs.

Top Vermont cooking schools have resources and facilities to help start your career.

These include:

• Internships and referral-based apprenticeships
• Job placement and career support
• Kitchens, modern equipment and student-run cooking facilities
• Qualified, professional instructors

Vermont Local Scene and Cuisine

In order to get a full learning experience, students are encouraged to venture beyond Vermont cooking schools and get involved in the local food scene. Vermont is in itself a tourist attraction with thousands of visitors flocking in every year. Because of this, there is a hunger for great and unique cuisine. Student chefs can be inventive with an abundance of organic ingredients and dairy.

In addition to learning how to cook with fresh ingredients, students also have the opportunity to participate in local festivities. Vermont hosts annual food festivals where you can meet chefs, make contacts and gain practical work experience with contests and non-paid jobs. Annual events and festivals include:

• Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
• Gilfeather Tulip Festival
• The Vermont Maple Festival
• The Taste of Deerfield Valley

Job Opportunities in Vermont

Vermont has more than enough employment opportunities for culinary graduates. Whether you’re a pastry chef or nutritionist, there are many restaurants, hotels, resorts and tourist hotspots that offer work. Although it is beneficial to have a degree, employers also give priority to practical know-how and ambition.

Vermont cooking schools often have internships and other non-paid jobs you can apply for to gain work experience. Outside of school, join industry associations to find current vacancies for undergrads. Another way to get a good entry level position is to network and keep in contact with local chefs and managers of hospitality establishments.

Best Vermont Cooking Schools

• New England Culinary Institute: world-renowned culinary training center that offer bachelor degrees, certificates and online education
• Community College of Vermont: specializes in hospitality and tourism programs
• University of Vermont
• Johnson State College
• Champlain College